Ah, the second week of Project 365 (such an impressive sounding title–ha). Dinner is just about ready so I have a few minutes to write before we sit down to eat. The angel hair pasta is bubbling on the stove, the veggies are happily sautéing, the meatballs are done and the spinach is ready for a sprinkling of fresh parmesan cheese. Yum. Not too bad considering I just returned home less than an hour ago.

Today is Joshua’s Project 365/Special Day. As I went downstairs this morning I saw Joshua working at his desk and had an inspiration for his blog. I would try to capture his school day in pictures.

Early morning math time.

Joshua and Grandpa (Tim’s dad) built this wonderful loft/desk two years ago. Joshua appreciates having a quiet place to do some of his studies. Here he is tackling a math lesson. This year he is working through Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra. Joshua is a ‘morning person wannabe.’ He loves the idea of waking early and getting a jump start on school. In practice, however, he tends to stay up too late to really be a natural morning person. For Christmas my parents gave him a cd radio/alarm clock. Joshua was thrilled that he could put in his new worship cd, set his alarm and wake up before the rest of the family gets moving. I guess with two ‘morning people’ grandmothers, it’s not surprising at least one of the children would have that deviant gene. Lol!

After breakfast and a hot shower, it’s time for science.

Moving on to another part of the house. For science this year, we debated between Rainbow Science and Apologia’s General Science. Both programs came highly recommended. A SHS friend had a copy of Rainbow Science for sale (which made it tempting). Still, I know people who rave about Apologia’s curriculum, which put me into a bit of a quandary. Thankfully the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) conference came along just in time to aid me in my decision. I was able to look over, examine, and price the two different programs. I immediately realized Joshua would LOVE the Rainbow Science. The text is written in an entertaining and approachable manner (complete with “clean up your mess” instructions at the end of lab assignments). The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching. The price (thanks Shawn!) was great. I only had to order the renewable supplies package.

Thoroughly enjoying his book!

Later on in the day, Joshua had finished much of his work and stole a moment to do some reading on Big Blue (a favorite reading spot). Joshua’s Christmas presents this year were mainly books and board games. He is in the middle of several books (typical of most bibliophiles) and is seen here devouring a book by John White, The Tower of Geburah.

Joshua describes the series as tales Tolkien and C.S. Lewis would have written had they collaborated. Interesting. Makes me want to grab a book and sit down to read as well.

The children often draw while they listen to our history and reading lessons. We have several books in the Draw Write Now series which provide step by step drawing instructions and short sentences for writing practice. Daniel and Rachel do most of their work in the Draw Write Now Workbooks.

For Christmas I found some additional drawing books to add to our collection. Now we have How to Draw Christmas Pictures, How to Draw Faces, and How to Draw People. Joshua was obviously inspired by these instructional guides and wanted to apply some real life finesse to his art.

Thankfully his sister is a willing model.

For his Special Day with Tim, Joshua chose to play one of his new games, Thurn and Taxis.

The rest of the family is (had to do some grammar checking to see if the word ‘family’ requires a singular or plural verb. Read here for an interesting discussion on the subject of collective nouns) more than happy to let Joshua and Tim figure out how to play the more complicated, strategy games. They will work out the details and then we will join them. Anyone up for a new game??

Well, that was Joshua’s day in a nutshell. Ha! At least it was snippets of his day. School, reading, playing games. Sounds like a good life. I didn’t bring my camera to the Y or I would have also included pictures of Joshua running around the track and playing wallyball and basketball. Next week maybe.

Kathy

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It’s Sunday, the last (or first, depending on your perspective) day of the week. I feel a bit sheepish about featuring myself on the blog since so much of this entire project centers around me and my thoughts/reflections on our family. Still, I said each family member would get a day so I guess today is my turn.

My gorgeous new Thai jacket from Tina!!

Busy Sunday full of people and activity. We had church in the morning. Tim led our Sunday School class on 1 Corinthians 4–good size group which meant lots of lively discussion and study.

Rachel worked with the elementary age kids during the service so we didn’t have her sitting with us. The pew seemed empty without her. We so enjoy having all the children (except for Sarah who stays in her preschool class) sit in church with us.

Tim had to slip out near the end of the service for a retreat center board meeting in Olympia. Now the pew was definitely too empty. I remember the Sunday the kids performed in the Christmas concert. Tim sat up front to video tape the service and the rest of the children (except Joshua) were in the play. My goodness, I felt bereft of all friends and family. It was terrible! I can see why my mom and mother in law are always so delighted to be in church with the whole pew full of children and grandchildren.

David standing outside his class room, Bible in hand.

After church the children helped me to get the house ready for our Bible study group. I used the new whiteboard to make a big list of everything that needed to be done. I tried to emulate Tim (who knows how to make up FUN lists) and include things like ‘play computer games’ and ‘take Matthias out.’

The kids worked very hard to get everything done and there was still some time for relaxing/recreation. I hired Joshua (who immediately contracted Rachel) to clean up the garage. We have a lot of children in our small group and need the garage available as a place for movies, wrestling, and general play. Joshua and Rachel took a long time but did an excellent job. It was so nice to have some extra hands available to share the burden.

We had a great small group. A couple from our Sunday school class joined our group today (they are good friends of ours from the homeschooling co-op). My kids were thrilled to have them come as it meant 5 more (older) companions. Most of the couples in our group have young children (two have babies). There was MUCH running around, board games, wrestling, dumping out of toys, etc. Ha!

Next week we are starting a DVD study by Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs called Love and Respect. I’m very excited about it as Tim and I attended a conference hosted by the Eggerichs several years ago and it was excellent. Tonight we filled out a marriage questionnaire and sealed them up in envelopes to be revisited after we finish the study. We spent the rest of the time in boy/girl groups sharing. Good conversation, lots of laughter.

Well, that’s the first complete week of Project 365. Very exciting! I’m sure I won’t continue such lengthy, daily blogs but it is nice to have a place to do some family journaling.

The best 5 year old in the world and his mama.

Kathy

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Saturday is here! Our couch broke this afternoon. Sigh. It’s always something. The screw on one of the back legs broke. Tim thinks it can be (fairly easily) fixed. A friend happened to be visiting while the couch was overturned. She said her grandparents are getting some new furniture and have a couch and chair for sale. Hmmm. Interesting timing. I saw a picture and they are beautiful pieces. The price is great so it’s just a matter of whether we have the money right now or not. Something for prayer and further consideration.

Daniel, of course, has decided the upside down couch makes a great spot for a fort. He and Tim had fun playing a new version of hide and seek.

Definitely brings new meaning to the term “couch time” or “couch potatoes.”

Hard to believe this calm, serene gentleman would wield a pillow with such ferocity.

And yet, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

For Christmas, Daniel and Joshua bought Tim a new computer game. It’s been a huge hit with the entire family. Pirates by Sid Meier’s
Daniel and Joshua have both enjoyed playing the game. Rachel and David prefer to watch Tim play. There is sword fighting, battles between sailing vessels, and ballroom dancing. I guess you could say there is a little bit in there for everyone. Ha!

It’s safe to say this game is quite the family entertainment.

Kathy

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Ah, Sarah, the little princess, muffin, sweetie pie! My youngest child, a daughter born on my birthday. This little one has a special place in my heart.

Sarah, age four and a half, adores all things common and beloved by little girls down through the ages–dolls, dresses, jewelry, the color pink, etc. Unlike her closest sibling, she doesn’t seem to have an intense drive to keep up with the big kids. She is content to sit and play for hours on the stairs with her Polly Pockets or Playmobil figures. At home she is bubbly and talkative, out in public she is shy and coy. I have had friends tell me they have never heard her speak a word.

Love the slippers!

For Christmas Sarah was given this gorgeous dress. She was absolutely thrilled with it. I knew she would like it but even I was a bit overwhelmed with her response. At one point she told me she wanted to go to bed. I thought for a minute and realized the reason why. She was eager for night to fall so she could wake up and it would be Sunday and she could wear her beautiful new dress to church. Ah, does every young girl want to be a princess?

The lighting isn’t great but it does show the princess’ long, never been cut hair.

Sarah enjoys school and is pleased to pull out her workbooks and practice her writing and coloring. She sits in on David’s reading lessons but doesn’t seem terribly eager to learn herself. She has excellent fine motor skills and likes to work on letters and writing. She took her turn writing on our new full size whiteboard today (in her fancy dress, no less).

She is the baby of the family but no longer a baby. My, how the years go by so quickly!

Kathy

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Today is David’s Special Day! After school we met Tim at the Y for swim lessons and some family wallyball. David is improving by leaps and bounds in his serving. I will try to bring my camera with me next week to see if I can capture his athletic prowess on film.

David is a whimsical, funny, incredibly grateful five year old (six in February, gasp!) boy. He will thank you over and over (and over and over) for a special gift.

For Christmas he received a blue sweatshirt and walkie talkie watch. These two items have become some of his most favorite gifts. I think he has worn both of them every day this week. Joshua said David saw his green watch on the shelf (that hasn’t worked for years) and told Joshua, “Oh, I’ve always wanted a watch!” That same day we opened a few more presents, one of which happened to be a pair of walkie talkie watches for David and Daniel. David was absolutely thrilled. Isn’t it precious when you get to see a (sometimes secret) delight of your child’s heart met.

In Matthew Jesus said, Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

David’s cheerful, grateful spirit often brings tears to my eyes and convicts me of my own attitude toward the Lord and all the good things He gives me. At one point David told me that he had gotten everything he “absolutely, totally” wanted for Christmas. What an amazing outlook. I know that he is young and much of his manner comes from his youthful innocence but my prayer for David is that he would continue to grow in the grace that God has bestowed upon him and remain an appreciative, thankful, enthusiastic individual.

David loves to play games. For his Special Day he chose The Legend of Landlock. This is another one of our new games from Christmas. Joshua advised as David and Tim played and helped lead David to a rousing victory. Ha!

Whether it be computer games, board games, scooter or bike rides, David is NOT one to be left behind. He does his very best to keep up with the big kids. Sometimes he gets frustrated but he most often picks himself back up and starts off again. He is a light and joy in our family.

Kathy

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